Hi all

I was flitting through the lap band complications forum and a lot of people who have had the band awhile are having them removed or having problems. So of course I had a bit of a freak out but thought that I should get my stats straight first, so I am curious how long have you had your band and are you still happy with it. Also have you had any problems - even if its now okay?

The pouch can get dilated if you drink carbonated drinks (which i didn't) having your band too tight and throwing up too much. When I had my barium swallow, the band was on it's side and a huge (orange sized) out pouching of my stomach had formed. I hadn't been able to keep solids down for months and had terrible reflux and heartburn. My surgeon said that the pouch was very thin and delicate and put in a new band above the streched out portion. Now it's like starting over. TWo weeks of liquids and two weeks of mushies.

Thanks for the info I hope you are all better real soon. I had some issues and had the band unfilled a little and had an upper GI but all is well maybe too tight I am going back today to have a refill and to be put it 7 cc's instead of 7 1/2 cc's Take care and keep me updated on your progress Happy Holidays!!!!!:thumbup:

:thumbup:I've had mine for 10 weeks and down 50lbs! could not have done it without the band!

I have had my band for 5 months now and have lost a total of 20 lbs. which is surely not alot or enough. HOWEVER, I would not give it up for the world at this point. 1. My extreme acid reflux that I have had for years is gone! 2. I am going through the holiday season eating way too many sweets, BUT cannot eat them by the handful as I did in the past. today I think I eat rather "normally". 3. I am not yet at ideal restriction and believe that once I am the weight will definitely come off. However I am soooooo grateful to not be where I was a year ago.

I am one of the lucky ones so far and have had no complications. My only complications thus far have come from the outside (dr., insurance, etc)

but I believe and I believe for all of us. Merry Christmas and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I love my band, have had no complications, and I know I couldn't have lost the weight I have, and kept it off without it. I am not perfect, but I have a tool that reminds me that I can't eat the way I used to, and with exercise and good food choices I can do this!

This Christmas my best friend bought me a pair of corderoy pants (sp) that are a size smaller. I've lost two pants sizes and maybe three blouse sizes. I didn't have to unzip the cords to put them on!!

Let's hear it for the band!

Debbie

I have been banded for 4 years. I have had no complications except for acid reflux which was the result of a too tight band. An unfill resolved it completely.

I love my band. Had to get a new winter coat this season and give mine from last winter to my older sister who is now bigger than me...I was always the largest of the family. When I see that coat hanging on its hanger, I can't believe its mine. It is not a size 2 or something crazy, but when you come from where I was, it is amazing what this lapband has helped me achieve. I wouldn't give it back for anything!

Hi all

I'm with K the band is the best thing I have ever done for me. As life goes on we forget about ourselves and take care of other and now we must take care of me if not the band will let you know when you stop taking care of self. I love my band I'm down 150lbs with 25 more to goal I'm one day away from 2 years banded. I have never stuck to anything that long for me. I have replaced my knees, I'm on no meds I feel great my tommy is getting so flat I may need a smaller port I talked to my doc about it she said to wait it may go deeper as I loose more weight. K you where banded right after me and you are doing so well most of us who where banded around that time are doing good. I haven't been able to come to the meetings in Columbus becaue I going to church on sat. But I love to read about your meetings. Good luck to all on your road to good health my prays are with you.

LadyRoz:thumbup:

I have had mine for a couple of years and still very happy!

I have had my band a year and a week and I had to have a surgery jan 6 to repair a slip in the band, I love my band and my Dr and his staff, I could not have lost 180+ lbs with out them. I think the band is the best Weight loss tool there is Keep in mind I was 3lbs short of being a 400lb man. I was big active and unhappy, 2 heart attacts, high blood pressure and diabetes and all kinds of meds, now I am off all meds. So you bet the band is good.

VERY impressive Scottyd!!! Good for you!

In April I will have had my band for 4 years. I have had no problems. Occasional PB, or stuck feeling, but nothing a day or so of liquids did not take care of.

I made it to goal weight---from a size 22/24 to a size 8. I backslid during a stressful time in my life, but at that point I had been completely unfilled for over a year, and had had several surgeries -- non band related technically---one was a TT, and it was TOTALLY band related! Would not have needed it without the band!!

I have a history of nausea with anesthesia, so I unfill for surgical issues. Stress hit, medications hit, and I regained! BUT the band has again helped me control it, and it is almost all gone again! I choose not to be super tight, and it works for me.

I would reband again in a heartbeat!

I have been banded for 2 years...I was skipping my way on up to the 400lb mark...I am a slow loser...but that is ok with me...I count the 30lbs that I would have gained each year when I think about how much I have lost. I just got back from seeing my most excelent Dr. He took some fluid out...a first for me...I should have had it done months ago...but I am stuborn and thought the problem would correct itself...it didnt...but I am lucky I didnt have any slippage issues. Very lucky.

I would do it all over again in a heart beat! The band is the best thing for me! lets me eat food with out letting me over eat. It is my little reminder to not pig out. Well that and all the new clothes I am fitting into...

OH!!!!! AND I FELT A RIB!!!! Yes this is a first. I am feeling bones. lol

I see Im in the low percentile. Im very happy with no complications. I have stretched my upper stomach above the band a little but no harm or pain.

I wouldnt take anything for it. Id have it replaced if this one had to come out.

Totally happy, best thing I have ever done!

I have now officially been banded for two years. I lost 100% of my excess weight, had a baby, had a slip, replaced the band, regained a little and am now very slightly overweight . . . but am thankfully now at restriction again and on my way back down.

Even with my complication, I would absolutely do it again with no doubt. Weight is no longer the center point of my life . . . it is almost an afterthought most times (until those times when I don't have restriction and eat inappropriate things).

Normal life and living has taken over. I can shop anywhere, wear whatever and look good in it, I eat healthier more tasteful foods, I have energy and my life is full. The band has really had a priceless impact on my life.